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Small Businesses Enlisting to Help the Military

Joyce Morse

November 17, 2014

Many small businesses show their support of the U.S. military by helping them while they are serving and after they are discharged.

Numerous options are available for any business that wants to get involved and make a difference in the lives of soldiers and their families.

Finding Jobs

Several websites and programs are available to help those leaving the military to find civilian jobs.

Small businesses can get involved and post job opening in these locations and recruit the former military men and women.

One way for businesses to show their support is by participating in job fairs and other events that are geared towards military personnel.

During these special events, military members can fill out applications, meet with recruiters and submit resumes to be considered for job openings.

It is not just the military men and women who need to find jobs.

The spouses of these military members are also looking for careers. Some have waited until the spouse has retired from the military while others are seeking a job to provide additional income while the spouse is serving.

Small businesses must be sensitive to the special situations surrounding military spouses.

For instance, a typical application may ask about employment but not allow for a chance to explain job gaps or the reasons for multiple jobs. A good question to include is if the person is a military personnel or spouse of someone in the military.

Another way small businesses can show support is by looking at positions that may be performed from home. This would allow the spouse to continue working from any location even if it involved frequent moves.

Other Ways to Help

Even small businesses that are not hiring can find ways to help out military personnel.

One of the most effective ways that doesn't require a lot of work on the company's part is in extending financing.

Many small businesses have specific financing requirements that are stringent to avoid people who will default on their loans. Anyone that does not meet these criteria are either not approved or approved at a higher interest rate.

Military members may fail to meet some of the criteria for reasons with extenuating circumstances.

For instance, the article “Military Auto Loans on the Move” discusses the issue of maintaining a residence for a length of time to be approved for an auto loan. Military members may fail to meet these criteria through no fault of their own.

Businesses can choose to handle applications from military personnel manually and allow for extenuating circumstances so that they get the best deals and interest rates.

This idea can work for any small business that offers credit or loans to its customers, whether it is a car dealership, furniture store or other business.

Military personnel are sacrificing a great deal to do what they do.

Small businesses can support them both while they are serving and after they leave the military in many ways.

It doesn't take a lot of effort but can make a big difference to the military men and women and their families.

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